Nancy Jean (Smith) Jonell, 90, entered into heavenly rest on December 23, 2021. She was born on September 8, 1931 to David and Ellen (Toots) Smith. Thomas Ridgewell Jonell, 90, followed shortly to be with Nancy on April 20, 2022. Tom was born on September 1, 1931 to Caroline and Edwin Jonell. Tom and Nancy went to Hermantown High School and they graduated in 1949. She was a talented artist, illustrating their high school yearbook and Tom was a football and basketball player. Tom started at UMD but volunteered and joined the Marines. He fought in the Korean War and was a survivor of the Chosin Reservoir siege where he was wounded and returned home.
Nancy married Tom Jonell on September 13, 1953 and celebrated 69 years of marriage. Tom was successful and innovative in his tenor of working for Pillsbury and Heinz, traveling and living in California, Utah, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota and Upper St. Clair in Pennsylvania. They moved back to Duluth in 1988 to retire on Cooks Lake and spent time wintering in Fort Myers, Florida. They loved entertaining with large groups of friends everywhere they lived. Nancy loved to sew, do hardanger, needle point, and counted cross stitch. They enjoyed the lake and all the animals and birds they lovingly took care.
Nancy and Tom were preceded in death by both sets of parents; family members, Marilee Brechlin, Rod Jonell, Dewey Helmer and Craig Peterson; and numerous friends. They are survived by son, Thomas Jonell and his children, Erika, Michael (Kati), and Tara; son, Robert (Lori) Jonell and their children, Drew and Eric; son, David (Ann) Jonell and their children, Alex and Caroline; Nancy’s sisters, Sally Peterson and Linda (Don) Clark; two great-granddaughters; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Visitation to be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 24th at Grace Lutheran Church, 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy, with Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 PM. Open to the public.
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